Peyton Manning to Broncos: Why Denver Must Trade Tim Tebow After Mega-Signing

The Denver Broncos have a fascinating decision to make, and they need to make it in a hurry.

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter are reporting that barring a major snag in contract negotiations, Peyton Manning will be heading to the Denver Broncos.

This is a franchise-changing decision that will have incredible ramifications on the entire roster. But the very first move is trading Tim Tebow. Well, that’s the plan, at least, according to Schefter:

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More filed to ESPN: And now that Peyton Manning has directed his agent to get deal done with Denver, Broncos will try to trade Tim Tebow.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 19, 2012"

The national phenomenon is ready to start now and doesn’t need to be stuck as a backup for another two years. He already has a playoff win under his belt, after all.

The Broncos would be doing a strong disservice to Tebow if they were to stick him on the bench for at least the next two seasons.

The Denver offense will completely be catered to Manning’s style of play, which is essentially the exact opposite of the option offense of last year.

It’s a titanic change in philosophy, and it’s time to wash your hands of the Tebow era as quickly as possible. Let’s also remember there will be plenty of teams looking to snag a 24-year-old QB that has shown nothing but improvements over the last 12 months.

So who is willing to give up the most to acquire him? Let the bidding war begin.

San Francisco 49ers

The organization ran a two-minute drill of sorts to land Manning, and it backfired.

Now they have to get on their hands and knees to beg Alex Smith to come back—or they can take a shot with Tebow.

With Mario Manningham and Randy Moss on board, the passing game has plenty of weapons to go along with an outstanding defense and strong run game.

Miami Dolphins

Florida still loves Tebow, and the Jaguars by all accounts aren’t interested.

That leaves the Dolphins, the site of the miracle comeback that sparked Tebow-mania. The Dolphins' QB search has been disastrous thus far, and trading for Tebow is likely the only way to make things right with the fans.

With Chad Henne gone and a draft pick in no-man’s land in terms of getting a big-time QB, Tebow is the only option to keep fans excited while having a legit shot of reaching the playoffs in the rugged AFC East.

Cleveland Browns

They missed out on Robert Griffin III and are not comfortable with Colt McCoy.

Here is an offense that’s one of the worst in the league, and re-doing it is not hard to do. Will a typically conservative franchise be willing to make such a bold move?

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